Welcome to a Special Edition of Afictionado, focusing on the winners and finalists for the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards!

Reviewer: Kathleen Maher

Kathleen Maher joined ACFW in 2008. An avid reviewer, she with her critique partner started CROWN Fiction Marketing to promote CBA historicals. Kathleen placed second in RWA’s 2009 and 2010 STAR contest and semi-finaled in the 2011 Genesis Contest. She lives in Upstate N.Y. with her family and two Newfoundland dogs.

Tender, real, and touching, this story makes an enchanting holiday escape.

Heroine Annika Bergstrom tugs on the heartstrings. An immigrant whose parents have died, the lovely young Swedish American must now leave her newly married sister—her only surviving family—to seek a new life and a husband of her own.

Wyoming rancher Chase Simms sends for her via Mrs. Mayberry’s Matrimonial Society for Christians of Moral Character—and it seems God has provided. As soon as she arrives, however, Annika’s worst fears materialize when she learns Chase wants nothing to do with her.

Plucky Annika determines to bloom where she is planted and takes Chase’s motherless daughter under her wings, teaching the girl Swedish customs and feminine arts. While Chase roves the countryside sowing wild oats, his attentive and kind brother Daniel moves in, drawn by Annika’s winning ways. Interest kindles as Daniel steps up for his delinquent brother. Suspense turns the pages to see if Annika can turn a rogue’s heart—or if nice guys finish first in love.

Tender, real, and touching, this story makes an enchanting holiday escape with a heroine who stole my heart. This romance is sure to brighten your Christmas season with hope, love, and a happy ever after.